On Sunday 1 March 2026, Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne once again delivered a thrilling edition. After a hectic and attacking race, 20-year-old British talent Matthew Brennan sprinted to his first victory in a Flemish Classic — a win that perfectly reflects the DNA and identity of Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne: Where Legends Are Born.
Strong early break shapes the opening phase
As expected, the pace was high from the start. An early breakaway formed featuring Dries De Bondt, Frits Biesterbos, Johan Jacobs, Matis Louvel and Cole Kessler. Later, Roger Adrià and Storm Ingebrigtsen bridged across, making it seven riders up the road.
The escapees built a lead of more than four minutes, but the peloton kept the situation under control heading toward the hill zone.
Heavy crash ends Tim Wellens’ race
Midway through the race, the action was overshadowed by a major crash. One of the pre-race favourites, Tim Wellens, fell heavily into the ditch. The Belgian, clutching his collarbone, was forced to abandon.
Defending champion Philipsen goes on the attack
In the hilly Pays des Collines section, defending champion Jasper Philipsen took the initiative. On the Mont Saint-Laurent he launched a sharp acceleration that created the first real selection, with Brennan among the front group.
Philipsen remained active but later suffered a puncture and bike change, costing valuable energy and position. Boxed in during the finale, he was unable to contest the sprint for victory.
Crosswinds and nervous finale
After the final climbs, the race stayed highly nervous with echelons forming. The peloton split several times before regrouping. Eventually, a reduced bunch of around fifty riders headed to Kuurne to decide the race.
Team Visma | Lease a Bike kept everything tightly controlled heading into the sprint.
Brennan finishes it off in style
Inside the final kilometre, Christophe Laporte delivered his leader perfectly. Matthew Brennan launched his sprint at the ideal moment and powered to an impressive victory — his first Flemish Classic win and a major milestone in his young career.
Top 10 Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne 2026
- Matthew Brennan (GBR)
- Luca Mozzato (ITA)
- Matteo Trentin (ITA)
- Matevž Govekar (SLO)
- Mike Teunissen (NED)
- Laurenz Rex (BEL)
- Tobias Lund Andresen (DEN)
- Cees Bol (NED)
- Luke Lamperti (USA)
- Jordi Meeus (BEL)
Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne: Where Legends Are Born
With this first Classic victory, Matthew Brennan follows in the footsteps of many great riders who made their breakthrough in Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne. Once again, the race confirms its role as a launchpad for future champions.
Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne thanks all riders, teams, partners, volunteers and supporters who helped make this edition a success.
Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne — Where Legends Are Born.
